I have two old atlas/rivarossi steamers that have been in storage for about 20 years. They have been stored indoors and not exposed to any extreme climates during this time. They ran OK when put away. I got them out today - they try to go, hum a little and move very slightly but thats it. One is a 4-6-2 and the other is an 0-4-0. Neither has over an hour of run time on them. What can be done to get them back to life if anything? I don't want to scrap them as these were gifts and have sentimental value.
ajb: the motors were not very good in these old atlas/rivaroosi steamers , however a very good cleanning and lubing is possibly all that is needed.
I have been told that early Rivarossi motors were factory lubed with a grease, that seems to harden after a few years of non use. Cleaning and replacing the lube should loosen them up. Also look for graphite collected on the commutator and clean the brushes. I use a hypo to place about a film and a half of LaBelle light oil on both motor bearings. (Just enough to wick into the bearing, but not enough to run or drip). On gears, I use Lubriplate #630 AA white food grade (light) grease sparingly. Use a Q-Tip to remove all excess grease. Has worked well the last 30 years for me.
